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Letters to the Editor

For verification purposes, letters submitted for possible publication must include: ■ the writer’s legal name. ■ full home mailing address. ■ home and day phone numbers. Only the author’s name and town will be published. Form letters, poetry, anonymous letters and letters dealing with private disputes will not be published. Letters expressing thanks to a business, an identified individual or a group generally should be a card of thanks advertisement. People who continually write on the same subject may have their letters rejected unless they break new ground or discuss ...

Simon helped protect architectural jewel

Letters to the Editor

I want to commend Doug Simon and his Snappy Chef for the outstanding services they have provided to our community for more than three decades. I cannot even begin to estimate all the joy and memorable number of weddings, banquets, birthdays, retirements, anniversaries, holidays, graduations, as well as seasonal, office, community and nonprofit socials he and his talented staff created and served. They were gracious, welcoming and adapted well to budgetary needs. Their food and beverage services were excellent. In addition, he helped save, protect and perpetuate our iconic Casino, ...

County, CYS share blame on problems

Editorials

It is understandable that the Blair County Office of Children, Youth & Families is not happy about having been issued its sixth provisional license by the state Department of Human Services, for shortcomings in the local department’s operation. Anyone unfamiliar with the local agency’s problems could be excused for questioning how an agency with such important responsibilities could have troubling issues festering for 3.5 years, the span of time that the six provisional licenses cover, without finding ways to resolve all of them, or at least all but a couple. But to be fair, Blair ...

Orchard Park should be saved

Letters to the Editor

Orchard Park in Altoona is something special. The City of Altoona decided that creating green and grassy spaces through the various areas of the city made pleasant layouts for the neighborhoods. Recognizing the success of such parks and playgrounds in similar cities, Altoona decided to design and lay out such parks in Altoona. Orchard Park was a beautiful choice. A picnic table pavilion was built among some established trees in the park. Neighbors and children used this area to discuss matters and get to know each other. Many friendships were formed. Altoona’s recreational ...

Boy Scouts fallout will be felt for years

Editorials

People of faith and nonbelievers alike were shocked and saddened when the issue of child sexual abuse by clergy erupted across this nation, even here. Similar responses poured forth when an ugly sexual abuse problem within the long-respected Boy Scouts of America became the focus of Americans’ attention, as former Scouts began revealing revolting conduct by adults supervising, helping or guiding them in their Scouting endeavors. The adults in question were dealt the responsibility of setting a good example with the young people under their supervision but, instead, in multiple ...

Peaceful protest was filled with hope

Letters to the Editor

On June 14, in the pouring rain, hundreds of people from across Central Pennsylvania streamed into Canal Basin Park in Hollidaysburg. Many of us had been unsure about publicly taking a stand. Everyone felt affected in some way by the tumult of the past few months and the threat to the American ideals we cherish. For some, the sight of the National Guard and Marines being pressed into service against their fellow citizens was too much. For others, the possible loss of the right to speak openly was the issue. We were watching the institutions that mattered be torn apart, services ...